Genetic improvement options for the cost effective reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ruminant production systems

Abstract Text: This paper describes a framework to estimate the greenhouse gas (GHG) abatement potential of range of animal and system management options, including genetic improvement and estimates their relative cost effectiveness. The potential cost effective abatement that could be achieved in UK livestock by 2022 was estimated to range from 1.266 - 5.02MtCO₂e, with a central feasible potential of 2.68 MtCO₂e represents around 5% of the 2006 UK agricultural GHG emissions. All genetic improvement options studied, including the establishment of direct recording of feed efficiency, proved to be cost effective option for reducing GHG emissions in the short, medium and longer term. Moreover, genetic improvement has little additional costs once systems have been established and impacts are cumulative and therefore is a highly sustainable option for ongoing reductions.

Keywords:

Greenhouse gases

Production efficiency

Methane

Dairy/Beef Cattle